Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan shot dead in UP’s Shamli, Akhilesh Yadav flags ‘Jat’ angle

Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan was murdered in an unsettling incident that eerily mirrors his own song, "Bhari Court Mein...". The 28-year-old, known for his hyper-local Haryanvi pop music and political commentary, was shot dead outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli. Just an hour before his tragic end, Baliyan posted a video singing, "Murder maar de sadak ke upar…" - words that now seem prophetic.

The police found four unidentified men in two motorcycles waiting for him as he returned from the gym at around 6:45 pm. They opened fire, killing Baliyan instantly. The assailants fired approximately 20 rounds, leaving the singer with multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal head injury. His music, often focusing on rural grit, local politics, and youth bravado, had gained him over 3.66 lakh subscribers on YouTube.

Despite the speculation of political rivalry, the police are yet to confirm any political motive behind the murder. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav condemned the killing, expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in UP and demanding that the attackers be swiftly arrested.